UEFA Euro 2020
Group D
England v Scotland
Wembley Stadium
London, England
18 Jun 2021
England had the great fortune of playing all of their Group D games at Wembley, whereas the Jocks had to come down south for their second game. This historical fixture was on a knife edge as it is the oldest rivalry in international football, Scotland needed a result after losing to the Czechs and the ghost of Gazza at Euro 96 haunts every scotsmen to this day.
The attendance was capped at 22,500 but on a rainy night in the capital the atmosphere was electric with the Jocks as always playing their part
Despite the attendance being capped at 22500 and the official attendance being just below that, there seemed to be a lot more folk inside the stadium. For this match the FA had randomly selected our seats in Block 506 (in the Gods). Not our usual place but I was glad just get a ticket
First pint at the Whistle Stop at Grantham station
These Scottish boys have been on the Buckie all morning
Our digs at Dawson House Hotel slap bang in the middle of two tube stations (Finchely Road and West Hampstead)
Room with a view in NW London
England's Top Boy is ready for international duty
The Railway on match day
Pub scran
"Oi Oi", the regiment are in town
When you leave your flag unattended shit happens
Take 2
Take 3
Take 4
Team Photo
Jaegar Bombs 💥
The Railway at West Hampstead featuring Suzie Sue, Jockie McPloppy and his mate Hamish the Haggis muncher
England's Top Boy is still standing
Freedom granted (just FO)
Approaching the first cordon for the NHS App and ticket activation
Wembley Way, a bit quieter than normal
England's Top Girl has made it through security
The concourse in the sky
Pano from Block 506
The anthems
The knees
...and they're off
Block 109, where we should have been
The match ended in a goalless draw but most of the plaudits must go to Scotland for digging in and nearly snatching a win. England should have gone ahead early on when John Stone's header crashed against the bar from a Mason Mount corner. Pickford made a great save from Stephen O'Donnell and a goal line clearance was required to keep the Scots at bay following a Lyndon Dykes shot. In the 2nd half Sterling should have had a pen but it wasn't to be. The big talking point afterwards was the COVID incident when Billy Gilmour tested positive after the game and because he had been in close contact with Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount; all three players had to self isolate for 10 days despite the England pair testing negative.
Farewell Dawson House Hotel
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